Nursing Home Abuse LawyerSikeston, Mo

Fighting Negligence and Abuse in Nursing Homes

Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care facilities stake their reputations on trust and dependability, and that’s why you choose the facility that you did. Unfortunately, your family member has been abused by the very care providers that were entrusted with their care. You need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sikeston that has experience fighting Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits. Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Sikeston holds nursing homes and assisted living facilities accountable for the abuse and neglect that they put their residents through, and we always hold these businesses accountable to the fullest letter of the law. We have the experience that your family needs to fight this Nursing Home Abuse lawsuit, and we won’t stop until the business or individual who harmed your loved one is held fully responsible for their actions. Our meetings are free of charge, and we don’t charge any lawyers fee’s unless we win your family’s nursing home abuse claim. Call or contact our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Sikeston now.

Gary Burger | Trial Attorney

Gary Burger is devoted to helping injury victims recover from devastating accidents in Missouri and Illinois. Gary practices all areas of personal injury law and has been successful in providing financial recovery while aiding in the protection of our clients' future.

How can I tell if my loved one is being abused in a nursing home?

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If your loved one is being abused, or is being neglected in their care, there are signs that will point to this neglect. Does your family member look emaciated? They may not be receiving the nutrition or meals they are allowed. Do you see red sores or skin issues appearing on your loved one? They aren’t being moved or rotated, and now they are developing sores because of it. Is your family member nervous or unusually quiet around staff members? It’s possible that your loved one is being harmed by the staff. Listed below are sings to look out for when you think your loved one is being abused or neglected.

1. Nursing Home Abuse Malnourishment

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A lack of eating or nutrition has obvious and apparent effects on a person. If they look thin, tired, emaciated, or seem overly fatigued after simple tasks, they may be getting the food they need. Regardless of any difficulties your loved one may present when they are either eating, or if they have to be fed, your family is paying for the correct and proper care of your loved one. Negligence and abuse are never ok, and you can sue the nursing home in court. What are other clear signs of possible malnourishment? Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Sikeston have identified these conditions as possible signs of malnourishment:

Skin Issues – The skin will take on a yellow hue, and in darker complexions, the skin may appear dull and heavily wrinkled. Another sign is that the skin beneath fingernails will appear white.

Mouth Sores or Discoloration – If the mouth appears bright red, or if cankers sores are present, your loved one may be malnourished. Yeast infections or thrush infections are also a sign, and cause white patches to develop on the cheeks and tonuge.

Eye Issues – Worsening vision is a clear sign of malnourishment, as well as overly red eyes, glassy eyes, or swollen corneas.

Muscular Problems – If your loved one is weak after completing simple every day tasks, or their muscles appear flaccid, the may be suffering from malnourishment.

2. Nursing Home Abuse Bed Sores

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Bed sores are common in people who are bed ridden or spend most of their time in a wheel chair. They develop as sores and ulcers and can quickly become life threatening. If your loved one developed bed sores while in the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility, it’s a clear sign of neglect and lack of care. Bed Sores are even common in intensive care units. Bed Sores are easily avoidable if nursing homes give each resident their due diligence. Here are the different stages of bed sores our nursing home abuse lawyers in Sikeston have identified that can show your loved one may have bed sores:

Stage 1. Bed Sore – Skin that is itchy, red, and unusually warm.

Stage 2. Bed Sore – Sores or blisters are now appearing on the skin.

Stage 3. Bed Sore – The sore worsens and turns into as cavity.

Stage 4. Bed Sore – Infection is common at this stage, and the wounds are quite severe.

These types of sores are easily preventable. If your loved one’s care provider was giving them the care and attention they deserve, then your loved one would not have developed blood sores. You can sue for bed sores, and you absolutely should. Their negligence caused your loved one to suffer, and if you let them continue to treat your loved one, it will happen again. Call our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Sikeston now. We’ll hold the nursing home responsible for their actions, and make sure that your family receives everything they need to move forward.

Here is a short video about Bed Sores and what you can do about them.

3. Nursing Home Abuse or Mistreatment

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Abuse isn’t always apparent, and your loved one may either not be willing to admit or not able to admit that they are being abused. The thought that the nursing home or assisted living facility you’ve placed your loved one in is abusing them is a horrible thought, but it does happen. This is not an acceptable act, and its possibly criminal. Here are several signs to look for when you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected:

Financial Exploitation – This can be easy to miss if you don’t keep a detailed log of their finances. The signs for this type of abuse are a lack of bathing, eating, unsanitary room conditions, or even bed sores. Neglect from a caregiver can also lead to self neglect.

Physical Abuse – This type of abuse typically results in scratches, cuts, bruises, broken bones, and in some cases sexual abuse. If your loved one is suffering from any of these types of abuse, the police can be involved in the abuse. Even after the police have made their report, you can still sue the nursing home or assisted living facility. Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Sikeston will fight for the recovery and rights of your loved one.

Psychological Abuse – If your family member appears afraid of their caregiver or nervous when the individual is around, but your loved one doesn’t have any visible bruises, they may be suffering from psychological abuse. Psychological abuse is as terrible as any physical abuse.

Here is a short video our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Sikeston have prepared:

Are there any laws governing nursing home care?

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The Nursing Home Reform Act set the laws and regulations that govern assisted living facilities today. These are not suggestions, they are laws, and have to be followed to the letter of the law. According to the Nursing Home Reform Act, here is a quick breakdown of the rights your loved one can expect:

Freedom from Abuse

Freedom from Restraints

The Right to Privacy

The Right to Accommodation of social needs, psychological needs, physical needs, and medical needs

The Right to Participate in Resident and Family Groups

The Right to be treated with dignity

The Right to exercise self-determination

The Right to communicate freely

The Right to review and participate in any aspect of the care they are receiving and any changes to it

The Right to voice grievances

Your loved one has rights, by law, and if they’ve been violated you can pursue legal action against the Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility that was entrusted with their care. Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Sikeston are well versed in the laws the govern nursing homes and the levels of care that residents are entitled to. We can help you and your family if you decide to pursue a claim against the assisted living facility. You have options, and those who harmed your family can be held accountable. Call or Contact Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Sikeston now to protect your family.